Washington Durable Power of Attorney Laws

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The "durable power of attorney" is a legally binding agreement to allow a named individual (also called an "agent") to make health care, financial, and end-of-life decisions on their behalf. For example, the named individual (agent) -- in accordance with a patient's living will -- may tell doctors to remove the patient from feeding tubes.

If you want life-sustaining procedures withheld or withdrawn if death from an incurable, terminal condition is imminent, then it is a good idea to write it down in what is called a living will or an advance directive.

Doctors and Durable Power of Attorney Laws

In Washington, durable power of attorney laws shield physicians acting in good faith from liability for the effects of following end-of-life directives.

Do I Need A Lawyer To Prepare A Power Of Attorney?

There isn't a legal requirement that a power of attorney be prepared or reviewed by a Washington estate planning lawyer. However, if you are giving important powers over to another person, it is wise to get individual legal advice before signing a complicated form. A person who signs a power of attorney should fully understand what it means, and consider all the risks and alternatives available to them.